The Master of Science in Nursing Academic Guidelines

Submission of a completed Walsh application for admission (online) with the $25 application fee.

A current unencumbered Registered Nurse license(s). One year of experience as a Registered Nurse is preferred.

Official transcripts documenting a baccalaureate degree in Nursing from a program accredited by a national organization responsible for nursing accreditation (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or their equivalent). Transcripts should document a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale on all undergraduate coursework. Transcripts must be in English and credentials evaluated when appropriate.

Completion of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)*.

Completion of an Undergraduate or graduate Statistics course.

Two professional letters of recommendation supporting the applicant’s potential success in the Master’s program from graduate prepared nurses or faculty members who can address the applicant’s potential or ability for functioning in the CNL or Education role (clinical skills, critical thinking, independent decision making, collaborative skills with other health professionals, and nursing leadership). Applicants currently enrolled in a nursing program must submit at least one (1) recommendation from a faculty member in that program.

Resume or CV with your application that includes work experience, educational, leadership and professional organization activities, and scholarly activities including publications, presentations, research, honors and awards.

A 1-2 page essay that will serve as the basis for the admission interview with faculty and be reviewed for writing style and content. It should address the following areas:

Reasons for seeking advanced education in the MSN program at this time in your career.

Academic and career goals and how the MSN education will help you to realize those goals.

Personal and professional attributes that will contribute to your success in the program.

The essay should be typed in APA format. Consideration will be given to both the quality of writing and the congruence between stated goals and those of the program.

An Interview with Graduate Program Admissions Committee is required. The interview will be arranged after preliminary review of academic credentials and application materials. The purpose of the interview is to evaluate communication and decision-making skills; educational goals; and current leadership, scholarship, practice roles and activities.

*If the applicant meets all other admission requirements, the GRE requirement is delayed until after the first course in the program is taken. If the student is successful in earning a B or better in the first course of the program, the GRE requirement is waived.

Registration Procedures

Students who are fully admitted to the program may register by one of the following methods:

Graduate students may register online via the Walsh University Cavalier Center (www.walsh.edu.) To register online, the student must obtain an alternate PIN from their assigned academic advisor and resolve any holds that may prevent registration.

Obtain a form from the website (www.walsh.edu ). Click on "Academics" then "Office of the Registrar" then "Forms" to find the Graduate Registration Form. Download a copy and fax (330) 490-7372, mail or present the completed form to the Registrar’s Office (located in Farrell Hall).

Academic Advising

Upon admission to the master’s program, the student is assigned to a graduate faculty member who will then work with the student to develop a plan that will allow the student to progress through the program as efficiently as possible. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisors prior to registration each semester to confirm their program plan.